Returning to Khovd

We were blessed to be able to return to Khovd before we came home.  We did some training and it was wonderful to see the faithful members there.  This mountain is just before the airport in Khovd and displays the symbol of the Mongolian flag.

Our hotel in Khovd. It wasn't too bad, but there was no hot water and when trying to get it to get hot, Alan left the faucet running and we came
home to water all over the floor.  Even though we were assured we would have additional towels to clean  up the water, they never came.  Mongolia has much to offer tourists in culture and natural beauty, but they need to learn more about how to treat tourists and provide what they need during their visit.
This is a water storage container shaped like a Murun Khuur that is built in Khovd.  There is also one that is in the shape of a boot.  Very creative and an attractive addition to the community. 

In front of the church in Khovd.  They need a new building as this one is larger than needed and is expensive to heat in the winter.  More members and activity are needed for this change. 

One of the first places we visited was former BP Ganhuyag and Nara.  He has gone a bit less active since being released, but committed to us that he would return to church and serve faithfully in a calling.  Hope he really does this. 

The sisters were a great help. Sisters Altentsetseg and Tserendolgar.

Ganhuyag is raising baby chicks again. He's a real farmer at heart!

Then we visited Baska and Suvdaa.

This is the new Branch President (Munkhtuvshin) and his wife and son.

It was great also to visit Cer-od.  Her husband is taking the discussion but doesn't seem very interested.  She had a miscarriage here not too long ago and is very much still in mourning for that baby.  She committed to return to church and be more active.  Elder Ganzorig and Ganbaatar.

Cer-od's cute family!

After calling Nomio, she arranged for a few of the students from our English class to meet us at the Children's Park.  It was so good to see them.  This is Nomio, Baska, Toogi, and Nomin.

It was just like when we were here last time about 11 months ago!  We sure did grow to love these wonderful young Mongolian non-members!

Nomin and Nomio wanted to ride this bike.  They were very good at it!

Nomio and her family were so kind to us when we were here before.  Unfortunately, her family was out of town, so we didn't get to see them again.   But she is a sweetheart!

Alan and the girls!

The missionaries cannot go on activities unless there is a sr. couple with them.  So they hatched up this trip.  When they asked us if we wanted to go to the river, we said sure, thinking it was the river close to town.  Not so.  The Seeject River is a good 2-hour drive .  We had lunch there, with everyone providing food.  Ganhuyag arranged for the transportation.  It was early in the spring and water everywhere.  We thought we might get stuck a few times crossing the streams, but we didn't!

The runoff in the river was pretty impressive. 

A little cabin close to the river.  Not sure I ever learned the significance of who lived here long ago.

A place we stopped on the way home.  The rocks are red and reminded us of Southern Utah.

We also stopped at this farm because Ganhuyag wanted to see how they raise their turkeys.  It was a fun stop with children, baby chicks and huge turkeys!

Saying good bye to the sisters at the Khovd airport!

Ganzorig and Ganhuyag drove us to the airport.  It's hard to say good bye again to such wonderful friends and wonderful people! 

However, we feel very blessed to have this opportunity to tel them good bye because when we left Khovd last time, we were fully expecting to return and finish out our mission.  There were no good byes then, so it was great to be able to tell them how much we love them now before leaving. 

Goodbye Khovd!